Ali and Bedni Bugyal, Lohajung: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Ali and Bedni Bugyal

Bedni Bugyal has long been a stage of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat, with a small lake, Bedni Kund, and shrines to Nanda Devi and Latu. Courts have twice ordered protection of the meadow, in 1997 and in 2018.

Useful facts

Ali and Bedni Bugyal facts at a glance

Location

Above Wan and Didna, Chamoli district

Altitude

Bedni Bugyal about 3,354 m (11,004 ft)

Experience type

Meadow trek

Known for

Bedni Kund, Raj Jat shrines, Trishul views

Time or schedule

2 to 3 days; May to June and September to October

Why it matters

Why Ali and Bedni Bugyal is worth your time

Ali and Bedni Bugyal are among the most celebrated alpine meadows in Uttarakhand, and they carry religious as well as scenic weight. Bedni Kund is a stage of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat, where pilgrims make offerings to their ancestors, and a smaller annual jat ends at the temples here.

The meadows are also a test case for how much tourism the high pastures can take. The Allahabad High Court ordered tourist camps removed in 1997, the Uttarakhand High Court banned overnight stays on bugyals in 2018, and trek operators report that the Supreme Court set aside that camping ban in July 2026 while leaving other protections in place. Visiting with a small group and leaving no trace helps keep the meadows open.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Bedni Kund

   A small holy lake on the meadow with a Nanda Devi temple and a shrine to Latu.

2. 02

   Ali Bugyal

   A long, open meadow ridge above Didna, reached on the gentler route from Lohajung.

3. 03

   Trishul at dawn

   The peak rises directly over the meadow and catches the first light.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

There are two ways up. From Wan, reached by road from Lohajung, a well-marked trail climbs steeply through dense forest to Bedni Bugyal in a single long day of roughly 10 to 12 km. From Lohajung, a longer, gentler route crosses the Neel Ganga stream, passes Didna village and climbs to Ali Bugyal, then follows the open meadows south-east to Bedni.

At Bedni, the small lake called Bedni Kund or Vaitarani has an old Nanda Devi temple, a shrine to the local god Latu and other small carved stones. On a clear morning Trishul and Nanda Ghunti stand directly above the meadow. Many groups spend a night here to acclimatise before continuing towards Roopkund; others return to Wan.

Local custom asks visitors not to pick flowers, shout or play music on the bugyal, which is regarded as the home of the deities. Keep to the trail, use proper toilets or pits where provided, and carry out everything you bring.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Above Wan and Didna villages, about 20 km on foot from Lohajung

Time needed

2 to 3 days as a round trip from Wan or Lohajung

Best time

May to June for flowers in the meadow; September to October for clear views

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

The climb from Wan to Bedni is short but steep, about 10 to 12 km uphill through forest, and the meadow is at about 3,350 m. This is not a walk for older travellers who are not trekkers; they can see the lower forest and Wan village by car instead.

Tickets and access

Bedni Bugyal is reserve forest. A forest permit is needed and treks should go through a registered operator. Camping rules changed in July 2026; confirm current rules and fees with the forest department or your operator.

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